Crazycool Steenhoeks

Family Game Night!!

2010-12-30T19:25:00.001-08:00

Family Game Night is always fun at the Steenhoek house. One game in particular always gives us some laughs. That is Scattergories!

Tonight, we played Scattergories. Dad was sleepy... so by the time the last few rounds came along, he wasn't doing as great as he normally does. On the "M" round, he just wrote the first little hill (of the letter 'm'), and then went to the next line because he couldn't really think of anything.

On the last round, one of the categories was types of beer. Us being Mormon, we had no clue.

The letter was "T", so most of us just skipped it. However, dad had some inspiration! He wrote down "Tom Timmons."

?

He had no clue why he wrote that, but he couldn't think of anything else sooo he just wrote it.

When we shared our answers, we all laughed and voted "No, that doesn't count." However, he wanted us to look it up! "If there was ever a guy named Tom Timmons, he probably had beer! So it was Tom Timmons' beer!"

So Brittany got on Google......

and......

Ta da!! IT EXISTS!! In Camden, New Jersey called Thomas P. Timmons' Beer Saloon!!!

Check for yourself!

http://www.dvrbs.com/camden-bars/camdennj-bars-ThomasTimmons.htm

We were all dying laughing. Good job daddy! :)

We have MOVED!

2010-11-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

We were waiting forever, and it seemed like the day would never come, but we finally moved on November 14th! We had so many people come and help us. THANK YOU! It went so smoothly and quickly. Here are some fun pics from the move!

Before the move...

So many boxes....

Teamwork!

Dissembling the bed

Eric and Rachel working hard!

Aaron is taking a breather.... (he has been working hard, you know.)

Our giant truck!

Thanks again to all those who helped! We love our new house!!

Shaving?

2010-10-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a very big day in my life. My little boy of 17 years took the razor to his upper lip full of peach fuzz. It took him all of about 2 minutes to get it off the upper lip, but it was a moment that I'll not forget.
Time goes by so slow, and yet it is gone in a flash. Next he'll be done with high school and moving on to collage, I'm not ready.
Please go back to the days when he wanted his face in the video camera and had the high pitched voice of a little 6 year old. All he wanted to do was show me his "Plummer Butt".
Love ya Brandon...STOP GROWING UP!

P.S. We opted for no photo's for this event.

My Tennis Season!

2010-10-29T18:59:00.001-07:00

My tennis tennis is already over! It began nearly a quarter ago, but it feels like it was just yesterday...

I have had a lot of fun! All the girls are really nice and we are all good friends. There were eighteen girls throughout the whole season. I was in the top bracket (Top 6) the whole season, so I got to play every time!

Today we had a party after school with all the tennis girls. Since Barros Pizza is only a fifteen minute walk from Corona, we all walked over right after school. Our Coach treated us! Although she could be a stickler at times, she really was a great Coach and she was always treating us to nice things like McDonalds, new water jugs, and ice cream.

Here are a few cute pics with me and the team! (By the way... the reason I'm dressed as a cowgirl in a few of the pics is because we were allowed to wear our Halloween costumes today. And I'm a cowgirl. Or Jessie from Toy Story. Whichever works :))Tania, Me, Anastasia, Shimoli, Travis (tennis boys team)

Me, Danielle, Caroline

Hannah, Shimoli, Gabrielle

Me, Hannah, Sam, Everett

Kelly, Me, Sam, Caroline

Anastasia, Mallory, Gabrielle, Coach, Everett

Sarah, Alyssa, Caroline, Me

Yay for Tennis!!

Lunch with the Ladies

2010-10-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah...I had the best lunch today:)

A feast for anyone! Our family is moving and will not be in the neighborhood anymore and so we had to get together and eat. Thanks Ladies. I always love getting together and talking, and laughing, and eating. It's a good mix. Next time it will be at my new home. I'll give you my new address. Thanks for coming Christina, Rene, Vicky and Baby Eve, Robyn, Aimee, Jennifer and Jenni. Robyn thanks for hosting. You are always so willing, thanks for sharing your home.Oliver and Dean THANKS FOR YOUR SMILES!!

Sprinkles Cupckes & Friends

2010-10-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here we r at Sprinkles Cupcakes (okay we cheated...we went next door and ate our cupcakes at Yogurtland, we are sneaky like that, we did get some yogurt as well). It was the best lunch I've had in a long time.
Aimee, Me holding litttle Oliver, Lisa, Jenni and Xan. My Friends...Thanks guys. I love getting together and have yummy food and some laughs.

Homecoming for Corona

2010-10-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Brandon has had some great things happen lately. Over fall break he went and got his drivers license. Paul took him over to the "Mesa DMV", it's the best place to take the test. They called me when he was done, and Brandon was really excited! So, yep, we've been sending him on little trips to the store and to pick up kids from different places. It has been so nice, but I miss having my on wheels, he drives my van, "OLGA". I miss her when he takes her out.

PacSun has kept him busy with work. Which is great because he has to buy new things at least once a week, fashion is important when you are a senior in high school. He also buys food for himself right and left. The boy can put it down. He is now 5'11'' and 125lbs. It doesn't look like he is stopping yet...he might just be as tall as his Steenhoek uncles.

Tonight is the Homecoming dance over at the high school. He asked his date in a very cute way. He would have Subway for lunch with her a lot and knew her fav sandwich but on this day he knew she would be going home for lunch. So he had me pick up her fav sandwich and drop it off at her home and in the wrapper was his note..."I've never gone to Homecoming with you before, but I'd like to try it. Is there "SUBWAY" you could go to Homecoming with me?" (I guess that he says that line a lot when they go out to eat for lunch, "I've never tried that before, but I'd like to try it") She came back the next day with a poster saying, "It would be my "Delight" to go to homecoming with you. On the poster, outside the front door had a big jug of Sunny Delight, and yes was chalked all over the driveway. Kids...they have so much fun.

That's a little up date on the ever growing boy...Brandon. My does time fly.

Tennis Anyone?

2010-10-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

So Brittany has been playing on the Freshman Tennis Team on Cornona Del Sol High School Team. She has played at the ranking of 3 for most of the season. Mostly she has been really enjoying the sport and learning more as she wins and plays doubles with other team mates. Paul and I have been able to go over to the school or away schools and watch her play. Rachel and Aaron were with me on her first match...it was so fun to watch her play. Go Brittany!! Two more matches next week and the season is over...maybe J.V. Tennis? We'll see.

The Birthday Card

2010-09-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

For Aaron's birthday, Grandma and Grandpa Steenhoek sent Aaron a singing birthday card with $25 bucks in it, which was very nice! The song you ask? Celebration. This is how dad describes it (The singing card version, anyways):

"Slow, out of key, sleepy, basically Kool in the Game on Sedatives"

Yeah, pretty much. And whats worse is that Aaron plays it over. and over. and over. As seen above, he thinks its a good gangster song. Here is a clip of it:

Diet Coke plus Mentos equals...

2010-09-04T12:56:00.001-07:00

FUN!!!

This afternoon, we went to a fun toy store, Brilliant Sky. Dad bought a Mentos rocket launcher and then proceeded to buy 2 bottles of Diet Coke at a corner store. After getting our cameras, we headed to the green belt! Good times!

(ps: sorry for the sideways view!)

Lemonade Stand!!

2010-08-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today was a very hot day. So Rachel, Aaron and I decided to do a Lemonade Stand! Aaron was taking a break when Mom came out with the camera, but you can see his bike behind the chair.

We were on the corner of our street, right next to Commonwealth. 50 cents per cup, 2 1/2 hours, 4 pitchers of lemonade, and many donations later we had made......
druuuummmmmrollllllll............. patapatapatapata.......

THIRTY-FOUR DOLLARS AND FORTY CENTS!!!!

Whoooooo-hoooooooooooooo!!! We were very proud of ourselves, and even tho it was 100 plus degrees, we had lots of fun! We waved and smiled at every car and played a Sweet and Sour game where if the people in the car stopped and buyed/donated, they were "sweet." If they only waved/smiled, they were "semi-sweet", but if they didn't smile, wave, or buy, they were "sour."

After counting the money, we decided that we were gonna put most of the money in a money jar for our vacation next year to New York/Washington/Virginia. But first we seperated the tithing and a $1.50 each for some candy :)

The jar before our lemonade stand:

And after:

YAY FOR LEMONADE!!!

Aaron's Ninth Birthday Party

2010-08-21T19:01:00.001-07:00

Today was the day of Aaron's family birthday party! His real birthday is on Monday, but Dad is going to be on a business trip then, so we celebrated today! The theme was Star Wars. We had Stars Wars placemats, fork holders, napkin case, cups, confetti, paper figures, etc, etc.

We ate a "Big Jimmy" from Jimmy and Joe's for lunch. It was HUGE!!

Next, we did presents! Aaron got lots of things. Some highlights were an Indiana Jones Wii game, a bunch of cool shirts, Lego sets, "Dog-opoly", Army guys, aaaaaaannnnnnddddd........

A NEW BIKE!!! (I was being sneaky :) )

He had a great party :) Happy 9th B-day Aaron!!

A Busy Day!

2010-08-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

What a busy day!

Brittany got her hair cut and Aaron got a new pair of glasses.

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Branon is a Senior, Brittany is a Freshman at Corona Del Sol High School, Rachel is in 5th Grade and Aaron is in 3rd over at Paloma.

It was a great morning, everyone got to school on time and was happy while getting there.

Brandon 17?

2010-08-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Yep it's true. Brandon just turned 17. (yesterday) We just had a small family dinner with the cake and ice cream. Brandon got a new QUEEN Size bed for his BIG present. Then some other cool "Bro" shirts from Pacsun. (that'swhere he works, in the mall.)

Brandon put one of his new shirts on his head and was talking about the gum Brittany gave him. I love the way he says "Delicious". I don't really know why, but it just makes me smile everytime he says it. SO...Enjoy.

DISNEYLAND!!

2010-04-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

This year, we followed tradition and went to Disneyland with Ma-moo and Papa over Spring Break. We each got a 4 day parkhopper pass! We spent the whole first day in Disneyland, then we split our time between Cali Adventure and Disneyland the following three days. Here are a couple pictures of how much fun we had!

Here are all the kids with Mrs. Incredible! AKA Elastagirl.

We were also treated to Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square! Very delicious.

Thanks Ma-moo and Papa for the extremely fun trip!!!

Brittany got BRACES!

2010-04-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true!! I got them on April Fools Day. Perfect timing! Here is the before shot....

And the after shot.

First they brushed my teeth with this really gritty toothpaste:

Then they put a bunch of plastic things that kept my lips apart in my mouth. Those were a BIT uncomfortable ;)

Then they glued in all the metal and wired me all up! I chose purple and blue bands.

They also gave me a huge bag full of stuff!! I got a Chamberlain Orthodontics shirt, a really expensive electronic toothbrush with lotsa gadgets, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and a cute purple travel pouch with another toothbrush, ortho wax, etc. All for free! Whee!

They don't hurt very much anymore, but Tylenol and ortho wax definitely helps when they do!

I will get them adjusted in around 6 weeks, May 19, which just so happens to be my birthday. Happy birthday to me. I will get the bottom braces on in 6 months so some of the teeth that were pulled last year can finish growing in. I will be getting them off in 16-18 months.

Heres to my new smile!!!

Rainy Day

2010-01-22T17:48:00.001-08:00

What's up everybody? 2010 has started off pretty cool this year with lots of rain! We Steenhoek's, we've kept ourselves busy. And I decided to do my first blog today. Here's what all the Steenhoek's have been doing lately:

Aaron is always on WiiFit, even at 5:40 in the morning!

Brittany started a little garden with cucumbers, artichokes, radishes, and peas.

Rachel has been reading Julie, a book she got for christmas.

Dad is working on his Master's of Business Administration.

Mom is teaching Gospel Doctrine every other week! Here she is practicing.

And I just got my permit! I'm really excited about it and I love to drive.

I've also have been getting free stickers. It's my latest obsession for now.

That's pretty much it. Check ya later.

Bobcat Award

2009-10-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Aaron is now a Bobcat. He got his award this week at Pack Meeting. He was very excited to earn it. His friend Danile Cowley earned his as well. It was a fun night with a puppet show put on by all the groups of boys. I had forgotten how much fun Cub Scouts is. Thanks to Shane Layton for the great photo.

Aaron and his Baptism Day

2009-09-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Aaron woke up on September 5th before the sun came up. He was so excited to be baptized. We went outside before we drove off to the church and found out that it looked like rain. WE LOVE RAIN!

It started to rain on our way to the Stake Center, 2 miles from home. Paul and Aaron had their white clothes on and looked very handsome. Time for more pictures.

Paul's cousin Steve Pearson was in town and was able to make it as well. A happy family.
We are sooo blessed to have GREAT friends and Family to help support us. Thank you to all. Thank you to Aaron for his great choice. Later he made the comment: "because it's raining today, it's kinda like the earth is getting baptized today, just like me".

How well can you see?

2009-08-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Our Brittany had a hard day on Monday. She had her tooth pulled (one that should have fallen out 3 years ago) Then we went to the eye doctors and found out that she is near sighted in one eye and far sighted in the other.
How does that happen?
We don't know.
The doctor said it doesn't happen very often but it is an easy fix with glasses. We shall see how she does with the glasses before we move on to the contacts.
Anyway...we know that Brittany will be able to rock these "Candy" glasses...look at how cute she is in her new glasses.

Brittany was babysitting Ivy at the time the glasses were ready and so she came with us to pick them up. What a cutie she is...too.

Today is a much better day for Brittany because she can see "EVERYTHING" nice and clear.

It's Great to be Eight!

2009-08-25T17:31:00.001-07:00

So it has happened. Our youngest child, Aaron has turned eight.
We had a friend party for him this year. He invited 10 friends. It was a "Star Wars" theme. Aaron wore his Star Wars shirt on Saturday and waited for his friends to come. (He had been up since 6 am)
The party was from 11 to 2pm. Pizza by Cost Co and games by, well, whoever.
The boys liked running around the house and yelling and screaming. It was much different then the 16 year old party.
We did have some time at the table with marshmellows and toothpicks, then pizza and later some magic molding clay. All and all Aaron had a great party and loved that his buddies could come over and play games with him.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The next day was his real BIRTHDAY. He had french toast for breakfast and loved them. For dinner he wanted Fettucini with garlic toast. So Grandma and Grandpa Geier came over for the family party and dinner. More presents, more cake and more fun.
Aaron loved all the attention he got, except watching old family video's of him as a baby. (which we all loved!!)
Tonight...first night of cub scouts. Tomorrow the world...

First Day of School

2009-08-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Four children and three schools. Brandon starts school at 6:23am at Corona, Rachel and Aaron at 7:45am @ Paloma and Brittany at 8:15am @ Pueblo. Home again at 2:15, 2:25 and 3:15pm. It was a great day for everyone.

Brandon is 16 years old!

2009-08-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yep, Brandon had a birthday and is now 16 years old. We don't really know how time went by so fast. We thought about keeping him back a year...but ya know...we couldn't.

He woke up on Saturday to French Toast and a phone call from England, Grandma and Grandpa Steenhoek.
Brandon invited 21 friends over for a party from 12 to 3. The party was soooo cool that the last guest didn't leave until 7pm! And only because he had to go home to get ready for the stake dance that everyone was going to at 7:30.
Paul got 8 pizza's and a cake from CostCo. He stayed at the party while the rest of us left for a few hours. They played Rock Band on one T.V., Dance Dance on another, and Call of Duty on the third one. When we got home around 3:30...the party was in full swing. Loud happy noises were coming from everyone. Like I said, the party lasted waaaaaay longer then we thought. Brandon had a blast and got some great cash and gift cards from everyone.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sunday Brandon was ordainded a Priest after church. Grandpa and Grandma came over and stayed for lunch and a family party. Brandon again had super day!
Love ya buddie!

Time to clean up!

2009-08-04T10:08:00.001-07:00

While Aaron worked on his laundry...that filled the whole front room! I worked on cleaning up the boys room. We hadn't seen the floor for months. I threw away two large trash bags of garbage, and found 3 bags of clothes that were two small for them to wear anymore. Plus, 6 pair of shoes that didn't fit Brandon any longer (and fit Paul instead). The next step was to get Brennen's bed put in the room and await Brandon's arrival from EFY.

The next step was the girls room. I should have taken a before picture, but I just couldn't. The floor wasn't seen for weeks either and the clothes were all over in piles. But after three days of cleaning and trying on clothes that were too small, the girls room came out like this.

The bag of clothes now need to make there way over to D.I.

Let school come...we are ready. (at least the bed rooms are all clean and organized)

Week end get a way

2009-07-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Paul was talking with his sister Patty who lives in San Diego. She asked why we hadn't been out to visit this summer. He told her all the things that had been going on, and that would still be going on. We looked at our calendar and saw that we only had two birthday partys for the kids to atttend, so why not get a way for the week end.
We headed out on Thursday afternoon and got to Patty's by 10. On Friday we went to the beach with her whole family, plus Dave and Heidi, Steve and his family, Shannon, Dillan and Eden. The beach we went to was Ponto...Patty's fav. It's free and really close to her home.
We had a really nice spot on the sand...lots of toys for the kids to play and even more food. Tug of war, boogie boarding, surfin', kick ball, whiffle ball and some badmitten and volleyball were a few of the things we did while we were there for 6 hours. The weather was great and no one wanted to leave.
Once back at Patty's we had taco salad and hung out and visited. On Saturday we drove up to Paul's other sister's home (Cindy). She was having a big birthday party for all three of her children, their birthdays are just weeks apart. It was a warm day, but the kids had fun bouncing in the bounce house and eating all the cake and ice cream. It was great to see their kids and home. Most of all visit with them. We later went off to the beach to cool off.
Sunday was church and a very yummy lunch, then we drove off to home. It was a short and fun trip. Our friend Brennen Watts came with us and make the adventure even more rememberable.
Thanks Patty for calling.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Up Date...

2009-07-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

So Brittany really really really wants me to up date everyone on our blog about what has happened since the last post.
What hasn't happened?
Brittany had a birthday and turned 13! Whatever! another teenage in the house. (although we have really good ones). She had a family party and got some presents that I can't remember now. (but she could tell ya...)
Next thing I remember swimming lesson...cuz school was out for the summer.

ENGLAND!
Paul's parents are in England for their mission. They told all of their kids, (9 of them) that they were all invited to come over and visit them. Paul planned and saved without my knowing and surprise me with the tickets. His life long dream (one of them anyway) was to go to the biggest tennis tournament in the world...Wimbledon
We flew into England on Paul's birthday and were met by his parents at the airport in Mancheser with balloons and singing. Paul yelled at his dad as he was driving out of the airport, "Your on the wrong side of the road, DAD!" But a lass Paul's dad was doing it right.
We visited with them for THREE days and saw the most beautiful country side. Highlights: Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Liverpool, Albert's Dock, The Beatles Story, Ferry ride, Preston Temple and we can't forget the "Dingle", (ask Paul), cannal boats and the best buffet ever, hugs and kisses from parents serving the Lord.
Next stop we were in London. Paul woke up at 4 am, he was soooo excited about Wimbledon. We waited in the "Queue" (or as we call it, THE LINE), for 4 hours. From 9:30 am until 1:30pm. It was well worth it. Paul was like a kid in the candy store.

Tuesday: Out by 8 am. The Original Bus Tour (basically the whole city!), London Eye, City Cruises River Tour on "River Thames", Shakespear's Globe Theatre, Tate Moder Mus. "Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre. Back to hotel by @ 11pm

Day 7, Wednesday: WIMBLEDON. Got ride to the "Championship Club", got a bag full of goodies and tickets to court 1. Played all day like tennis fans do...had strawberries-n-cream.

Day 8, Thursday: Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shopping...hot day.

Day 9, Friday: Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Churchill Museum and Cabinet war rooms, St. James' Park (had lunch on the lawn) Buckingham Palace, walked to Victoria Stayton, British Museum, Had a Great dinner at the Spaghetti House over on Goodge St and Whitefield.

Day 10, Saturday: Kensington Palace, Sunken Garden, Piccadilly, Lillywhites sports store, Leicester Square, Trafalger Square, National Gallary, Walked and Walked and Walked.

Sunday last day. Pack and go home. Oh yeah....take an airplane ride home and eat their small amount of food...We had some great laughs.

We had the best time ever. Our kids did great without us as my mom watched them. Thanks mom. With out you we couldn't have made these memories. I love ya.

Long Island

2009-06-11T18:02:00.001-07:00

My mom and I went to New York and had the bestest week ever. The kids were getting ready to end school, with all their finals and Brandon and Brittany had their big POP'S Concert at Corona High. But I knew that Paul could handle it, because he is Paul.
Mom and I left first thing on Monday morning (May 4)
We got a rental car at JFK after we landed and had so much fun driving around the island to see the places that my mom grew up around.
WE SAW: The store she worked in when she met my dad, and the church they got married in. The beach that mom sat on for hours every summer as a kid. We even made it into the "CITY" for a day. We took the train in, then got on the subway to BROADWAY!Saw all the graffiti. I had gotten mom and I ticket's to "Guy's and Doll's" for Mother's Day. Her first time to see a Broadway show, ever! (Even though she grew up on the island she never went into the city for a show) We had soooo much fun. Then we took a tour bus and saw the town. We saw all the big sights, Time Square and even the TEMPLE! (there was a group of missionaries outside waiting to go in...it was so unreal) Visited mom's two sisters and had as much food as we could from the deli and bakery's. I loved the cheese cake! Mom couldn't have enought potato salad, and I loved it as well. Shopping in Babalon was also fun.(the city mom grew up in) Driving along the "Montak Highway" to the Light House. Going to the Hampton's. What can I say? We totally want to go back again next year...and stay longer! Enjoy the photo's.

music...and More!

2009-06-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

April was a busy month for music. Brittany had a school concert for her 7th grade choir, where she had a "Solo". (And she did a great job on it) Then the Show Choir sang and did their show that they would be doing on their Cali tour that week end.
Again...Brittany did a great job.

Just after singing for "Disney's Magic in the Parks"
Our Feet before Disneyland, they were happy.
This is the group of girls that were hung out with in Disneyland.

Once again I went on the Cali tour with Brittany...we would be gone on Rachel's 10th birthday:(
While Brittany and I were gone. Paul took Rachel and the kids to a fun pizza place, Amazing Jakes. They had so much fun that they forgot Brittany and I were gone. We had a family party for Rachel on Sunday went were were home again.
On May 1st Rachel's choir, Chandler Children's Choir, did a show up in Phx. It was fab! We even got a CD recording of it!

(so my camera's battery was starting to go out, and so I kept telling Brandon to take the picture that's why I am talking in the photo)

Show Choir Tour

2009-04-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

This is the group that Brittany and I hung out with for the week end. We were on the Pueblo Middle School Show Choir Tour to California. Yep, we went to Disneyland for 3 days. It started on Thursday at 5:30 am, we got on the bus and headed to Disney. We got there at 1 pm and Brittany was in a back stage class at 2pm in Toon Town. My friend Staci Dayes (the other Chaperone) and I went on some rides while they were in class. Our first stop was Space Mountain. When the ride was about over...it came to a stop, Staci thought that it was over...but soon the lights came on and a worker came over to check on us. We were laughing and taken' pictures. Staci even called her sister in Az to tell her all about it.

After that we rode on all the other big one's before we got the girls.
The next two days is a blur, Saturday was when they sang in front of judges and they sang great. What a group of singer. I was so glad to be there. They ended up winning the whole thing for their age group.I love you Brittany. Thanks for hangin' out with me...even when I was silly.

Titanic: Treasures from the Deep

2009-04-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I went on a Mother/Daughter date on Saturday April 18th. We went and got some Cold Stone Ice Cream and walked around the mall. Rachel's 10th birthday is on Friday April 24th, and I will be gone. I am going with Brittany to California for her choir tour. So Rachel and I went on a date. The ice cream was yummy and the mall was fun to window shop in. Outside the mall they had a big exhibit with 50 different things from the Titanic. Rachel and I waited in line for an hour and a half. We had an umbrella to shade us from the sun. While we waited we talked, and talked and talked some more. As we got closer to the entrance we were given a WHITE STAR LINE Boarding Pass. On the back it had the information of a real passenger. Rachel was Mrs. Antoni Yazbeck, age 15, from Hardin, Lebanon. She was traveling with her 50 day old husband, who was a shoe merchant. They were on their way to Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania.
Once inside, we read and read all about the different displays. There was a lot of cool things. Rachel really liked seeing the money and jewelry. We even saw a man's suit coat that they found inside his suite case with all his over clothes folded inside.
At the end of the tour we came to a wall of memorial. Of the 1,324 passengers, only 492 survived. Of the 892 crew members, only 214 survived. Rachel's lady was one of the surviors, mine didn't.
Good Times.

Easter Time

2009-04-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 11th we all headed over to the Geier's for some Easter fun. The Easter bunny had come by and left some baskets for the kids to find.
We had so much fun laughing at everyone hopping like a bunny, while they went looking for their baskets.

Brandon had gotten some tickets to the D-Backs game and only had 4 tickets. So Ma-moo and Pa-pa watched Aaron and Rachel while the rest of us went over to the game.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Thanks for a fun night Brandon. Way to go giving service to someone who didn't even ask. Thanks to Ma-moo and Pa-Pa for watching the little kids so we could go. (And yes, I know that I spelled "Dodgers" wrong in the slide show, I still don't like the fans that were yelling the whole game, so I am "DOGin'" 'em.)

Sunday morning was beautiful and we all enjoyed going to church. After church the kids were able to come home and look for their baskets that were left for them from the bunny himself.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It was a wonderful week-end and one that went by to fast. Lunch was yummy and it was fun to have Grandparents over to enjoy it with us.

Piano Time!

2009-04-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

WoW Wee! Yes we did! We looked on Craigs list and found a piano for our family!!
Paul was able to go out and check it out with the knowledge from the Layton's. He paid for it, and Kevin Pike and Shane Layton helped bring the piano home. The kids have really, really enjoyed it. Their piano time has increased, and I don't have to ask them twice to practice.

Piano Concert March 27th

2009-04-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

So the post is really behind...but it's worth it. The kids did a great job. Brandon, Brittany's teacher is Vicky Arnold. They did a nice job. Aaron was able to play, his teacher is Brittany. It was his first time playing in front of a crowd that big. He played so well, Vicky Arnold told me later that she was very impressed.
Grandma and Grandpa were able to come and watch. It was fun to hear all the great music. Thanks kids for being so cool.
as a side note: Rachel was not taking lesson's at the time. She is now takin lessons from Vicky Arnold and Brandon has moved over to Al Brixey. Now all 4 are taking lessons.

Disney Trip

2009-03-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

So...it's been a while. But the pictures are still great. We went over Spring Break with my folks. We had a wonderful time:)
Enjoy.
Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Virgin Islands

2009-03-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

That's where Paul went for Spring Break. His company took a cruise ship full of their employees to the Virgin Islands.
Paul left on Saturday and was gone for a full week.
He did take some pictures, but according to the rules, none are to be posted on u-tube, blogs or facebooks.
Sorry, you can't see the massive ship that he was on.
Oh... or the crystal clear water that he snorkeled in...or, the night he sang in front of over a thousand co-workers and got a standing ovation.
Sorry.

Paul had a great time...and while we did miss him,
Heidi's parents took her and the kids to Disneyland. So look for those posts full of photo's. Heidi took a lot.

A Day of Peace and Rest

2009-03-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

That was all I wanted. Just a day of peace and rest with no noise, that's what Sunday's are for, RIGHT?
Paul left on Saturday morning, first thing, to the airport. He was on his way to Florida to his company cruz out of Miami to the Virgin Islands. Yes, he went by himself. Only employee's were allowed to go as it was a "Training Meeting", yeah, right.
Saturday went alright without him.
Sunday morning came early, but we got to church just fine for our 9 am meetings. Lunch after church was going well...then...the noise started, the teasing got worse. Then my headache became very real.
I tryed to hang out with the kids and started to play the game of "Life" with them, despite all the noise and lack of playing that was going on by the little ones. I hung in there until I got married and had to pay off my collage loans, I was a doctor after all, the best paid. But I just didn't care, my head hurt from the noise of happy, loud children.
I told Brittany..."I can't handle this anymore, I have to take my nap." (she was the one that got the game out and wanted everyone to play)
So I tryed to take a nap...but the noise, the loud laughing that was way to loud, the screaming that was unnecessary. The fighting, or "fake fighting" was getting out of control.
Out I stormed from my room and declared it was "QUITE TIME". All I wanted was some Peace and Rest. Find a movie, watch it and BE QUITE!
To my surprise, it did quite down, and I was able to fall asleep.
Once my nap was over, I came out of my room, it was very quite. Too quite. Where were the children. Did I scare them all away? Did they leave to find a nicer mom? I walked all over the house, until I got to the door of the girls room. On the door was a sign. It made me cry.

As I put my ear to the door, I could hear Brittany reading a book on baptism with soft music playing in the background. Once I walked into the girls room, I saw white sheets hanging from the ceiling so that all you could see was white. Then the girls had on white t-shirts. There was white stuffed animals all around, with Scriptures for everyone. I sat down and was welcomed into the "Sunday Spirit" room. There was a feeling of peace and love. Thank you girls. I love you both so very much.

Heidi's Birthday!

2009-03-02T18:44:00.001-08:00

Heidi had a Birthday! Yea!

Sunday night, Ma-Moo and Pa-Pa came over for a fun party. We all enjoyed a very yummy dinner of roast, potatoes, gravy and crescents. Once our tummies got hungry for dessert, we got out the cake and ice cream. Brittany worked for quite a while through the afternoon making a scratch, chocolate cake for Heidi. It was very delicious.

Ma-Moo and Pa-Pa then presented their gifts to Heidi. They gave her $50, and a very pretty matching necklace and earrings.

The next day, Heidi's actual birthday, Paul told the kids to let Heidi sleep in and everybody stayed nice and quiet while getting ready for school. Once Heidi woke up, she prepared for a fun girls lunch out with 11 of her good friends at Chipotle. YUM!

Once Brittany was supposed to be getting home from school, Heidi saw someone at the door, and opened it. Outside was a familiar postal lady.(hmmm, Heather Layton maybe?) She was wearing a blue "postal" shirt that read "Brittany's Postal Service". After signing a very official paper to clarify that Heidi was, in fact, Heidi, the Postal Lady handed her the box. Heidi read "To: Mom Love: Brittany Steenhoek" on the box, right as Brittany popped up. Inside the box was a pretty home-made (well, art-class-made) Indian Clay Plate!

That night, Paul got some In 'n Out burgers for a relaxing dinner, and Heidi got the rest of her presents. Paul got her a fun, red Cardinals shirt! Paul also got her a $25 gift card to Kohls. Yeah!

Fun fun!

She had a very very great birthday! :)

A typical Saturday at the Steenhoek's

2009-03-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

This happens only after a crazy busy week, and a Friday night performance at the High School with Brandon doing his first SOLO ever! and yes he rocked it. Thanks for Pa-pa and MA-moo for coming. Oh and Paul was in the Corona High School Commuity Choir, aka parents choir. They sang at the concert also, three songs.

Well the day starts out like this...

Brittany needs at ride to the school by 8am so she can do a Show Choir practice until 11:30am. Paul and Brandon go to the Tempe Arts Jam and sing. Brandon with his Jaztecs Choir and Paul in his Corona Community Choir. They sing at 9:45 and 10:30am. <

After singing, Paul drives over to the Stake Center to make sure his keys work to get in. He is in charge of a convert baptism at 2pm.

Heidi picks up Brittany from school at 11:30, drives her and a friend to the Tempe Arts Jam. They sing at 12:15, we leave once it's done.

Home again, Home again, Jiggety Jig.

Get all the kids ready for the baptism, leave by 1:40pm.
Enjoy the baptism of Mahinder Singh (he has only lived here for three months, he is from India). Mission Pres. Robert Craig did the baptism. Stack chairs, pick up paper, put hymn books away, leave.

Get home to Uncle Dave and Aunt Heidi sleeping in their rental car, in front of house. Sorry we made you wait:(
Welcome guests, wait for Paul to return from draining the font etc...
Visit with family and watch clips of American Idol, (Aunt Heidi is Paula Abdul's new stylist, just in the last month, she picks out her clothes and makes her as cute as ever!! GO HEIDI!)

4:00 Brittany goes with the beehive class to the stake center to make a video for a class activity, the ward BBQ is going on at the same time. We miss it:(

Eat dinner at 5pm

6:00 Brandon and Paul say good-bye to Dave and Heidi then go back to the high school were they have yet another concert at 7pm.

Heidi picks up Brittany at 6:30, drives her back home so she can watch the little kids while Heidi goes back to the high school to watch Brandon and Paul perform.

Brittany says good bye to the visiting family, baths the little kids and puts them to bed.

After the concert of great singing,(around 9:15p.m.)Brandon Paul and Heidi go to the store to get the food for a Sunday birthday dinner (it's Heidi's Birthday on Monday March 2).

The day is over once the food is put away. Yeah, That's a day in the life of the Steenhoek's. Don't you want to be like us????

Wax Museum

2009-02-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been to a wax museum? I went to one today, in Rachel's class. The whole third grade was to dress up like a civil war hero. Rachel was Ulysses S. Grant. She used Brandon's old cub scout shirt and belt. Then we made a beard for her to wear with a hat. She made a poster all by herself, with 5 fun facts and a whole bunch of pictures. On one side of the poster was a button for the parents/grandparents etc...to push. Then she would tell us all about who she was without telling us her name. When she was done with her speach she would say "Who Am I"? Once she was done telling us, other people came up and pushed the button. Rachel said she was busy the whole time talking and telling people about her person. Rachel did such a great job. She sat down on her chair and read what she had researched. Her Grandpa and Grandma Geier where the first ones to push her button.

Do you know where your kids are?

2009-02-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

Every night before Paul and I go to bed, one of us checks on the kids. To make sure they are all right, covered up under their covers nice and warm etc... Well, checking Aaron is hard for me at times. He is on the top bunk in the boys room. I can't see up there very well and I thought he was fine, so I walked down and checked on the girls. Then I heard Paul calling me from our room. As I walked down the hall I could hear him chuckling. Aaron had gotten out of his bed, at some point in the evening and gotten onto our bed. He was fast asleep and when we tried to move him, he didn't know where he was. We can only guess why he found his way to our room and not the family room where we had been watching t.v. Anyway, I love sleeping children and had to take a picture before we moved him back to his bed.

Rachel Renee the chef

2009-02-04T10:29:00.001-08:00

Rachel got invited to a friends birthday party. It was a bakers heaven. They got their own apron and chef hat. They made homemade pizza, and smoothies, they decorated cookies. Rachel LOVED her time there and when she got home she told us all how to cook etc...
The chef hat and apron are now on her bed, close at hand, in case she needs it to help me in the kitchen.

Snow Camping anyone?

2009-02-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

Brandon went with his scout group up to the very cold country of "Flagstaff" to go snow camping.
The group left on Friday (Jan 30th), after school. (only after Brandon had 3, count them THREE RED BULL's. Yeah, his school was handing them out and he wanted to try one, but somehow drank THREE!!)
SO needless to say we were a bit glad that Brandon was on his was to snow camp after school.
He had a great time hiking to the camp site in the dark, and setting up the tent. He slept in a two man tent with three guys, too keep them warm. When he woke in the morning he said there was frost on the inside of the tent. So every time they moved and shook the tent a small amount, little frost dropped down upon their faces.
They had s great time cross country skiing in the morning for a couple of hours. After lunch they did some major sledding. Brandon got "AIR" from what we are told.
Once home after 8pm he ate like a horse and took a shower, then fell right to sleep.
Thank you Adam Stewart, Brad and Brooks Edwards. He made some great memories:)

Student of the Month

2009-01-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Brittany was nominated by the Seventh Grade Stars team in Puelblo Middle School to be the student of the month. This morning she went off to school without a clue. Paul and I have known since November. (she was nominated that month but couldn't make the reception because of a field trip, I let the school know and they saved it until this month). Her name was called on the morning announcements as a Student of the month and to go to the cafeteria. She walked in with many other students with a glazed look on her face, until she saw her dad, then the big smile showed up. The principal Dr. Thomas Seiger called each student up to the front and read to them the comments made by their teachers. They were to stand looking at him and then we could take photo's. Brittany did such a great job.She knew two other girls that were at the continental breakfast reception. One was Malori Dayes, who is also in her choir class and Show Choir. We sat at the same table as Malori and her family that was there. It was a great morning for Brittany to shine. We are so proud of her and her success in life. WE LOVE YOU!

New Haircut for Brittany

2009-01-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

I (Brittany) decided that I wanted to change up my hairstyle for the New Year. So after looking through some ideas, I picked a really cute style. Here are some before and after shots...

Before:

During:

After:

I love it!

Snow Day

2009-01-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our friends the Layton's invited us to see the Festival of Lights up in Sedona with them. So we packed up the kids and made it a full day. We first went up to NAU in Flagstaff to sled and play in the snow. This time we found two places to play. The first one was the school playground. It was alright, but not the best hill for sledding. So after a while we headed to where we had gone a few weeks eariler. The other side of the school, a big open field with a great hill. There we had a lot of fun, mostly trying to climb up the slippery hill. No one got hurt, just lots of fun.
Then we headed down Oak Creek Caynon, to Sedona for dinner and the lights. That was so beautiful, at every turn it was even more breath taking. It was such a wonderful day. Good times baby!

Our Good Times

2008-12-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a little look at how our Christmas went.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

We know that we are very very blessed and at this time of year. We are greatful for each and every blessing that we have.
Thanks for being our family and friends.
May you have a wonderful New Year.

Channel 3

2008-12-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

Brittany has done it yet again. Christmas Eve her Pueblo Show Choir sang on the Channel 3 morning news. Paul woke her up at an earily time so that she could get dressed in her cute outfit, and fix her hair so curly. They were out the door by 7am. I stayed home with Rachel and Aaron, (Brandon was sleeping because he had stayed up late the night before with Paul and his friends playing video games until 1:30am)

One of Brittany's friends Lizzy was there. Her dad works for the stayton. He gave Paul, Brittany and the Pikes a back stage tour. Brittany had a great time seeing the different rooms and sitting in the chair that Tara Hitchcock. She also got a photo with Brad Perry. Brittany and Paul went to the Waffle House after for a brunch with the Pikes, Alyssa and Kevin. They got home around noon.

December 20th

2008-12-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

Brandon had a Musical Event up at the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish church in Phoenix. His choir director Mr. Hebert put together a night of singing the most wonderful songs. El al don don, Regina Coeli, O Magnum Mysterium (Vittoria), Verleih uns frieden (Mendelssohn), and Vivaldi Gloria with an orchestra. The chapel was very large and perfect for singing these great songs. Brandon was right in the middle of the choir and we could see him because of his blonde hair. We couldn't take a very good picture of him because he was so far away and because we couldn't use the flash on the camera.

We have ordered the cd from the night they sang. We can't wait to get it, it was so beautiful to listen to, just amazing.

Mamma Mia!

2008-12-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

My My...we just couldn't have enough fun on the 19th so we had a few friends over for a movie night.
We watched the movie Mamma Mia!

The Layton's, Stewarts and the Andrews came over for a night of fun. Paul had decided on our snow trip that he needed to have friends over for the movie Mamma Mia. He found a DVD with a sing-along, with the words listed on the bottom of the screen so all could see and sing-along. The little boys played the Wii in the front room while all the girls got the great seats and the husbands sat in the back row. They were so kind to help us with whatever we wanted. The little girls had to get up and dance, so the big girls had to also. How can you sit still during an ABBA song? Good times.

Organ Stop Pizza

2008-12-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

That's right...It's time to get your ears ready for a night of organ music. Were you get to request songs on a little piece of paper for the organ player to look at and decide if he wants to play it or not. This is my dad's favorite place to have his birthday party. Every year we make the drive to Southern and Stapley in Mesa for the fun.

Aaron and Brandon had a lot of fun writing on the little cards the name of the songs that they wanted to hear the organ player to play. They might have done a few to many? We will never know.

We had cupcakes made by Rachel after we ate as much pizza as we could. It was a fun night. Pa-pa loves this time and looks forward to it each year.
Happy Birthday Dad. You have had a great 68 years, thanks for being my dad. I love you.

More Singing...

2008-12-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

Rachel had a concert on December 18th. "A Christmas Celebration" presented by the Chandler Children's Choir. It was held at the Camelback Seventh-day Adventist Church, which was a beautiful venue for any choir to sing at. The Chandler Children's Choir all did a great job with Aimee Stewart as Director. Rachel had Grandma and Grandpa Geier there along with the whole family. She looked just like an angel with her long blond hair and white dress with her sweet singing voice. Rachel got to sing with a small group for the song "Sleep, Little Jesus".

The choir sang a total of 17 different songs, with an Intermission and everything. They had the audience sing three carols at the end of the concert. While the audience sang, the choir sang Descants that were "Commissioned" just for the CCC's first concert. It was a beautiful way to end the concert. It was so wonderful.

Do you believe?

2008-12-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

Monday December 15th our family had family home evening. It was a very special one. Aaron played "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" for us to sing, and then Paul read "The Polar Express".
Paul sat on the rocking chair and read each page, then showed the pictures for all to see. Rachel was wondering if there were tickets in the book. Paul kept reading until the last page...then something happened. TICKETS fell out of the book. 6 tickets to the Polar Express Train in Williams, Arizona. (Just east of Flagstaff)
So we all yelled and were so happy about the thought of going to the North Pole.
Then Paul told the kids that we were keeping them home from school for the day. We found out it was to snow up in Flagstaff and we wanted to play before going on the train ride.
It was really hard for the kids to fall asleep.
On Tuesday we headed out around 10ish and were full of smiles.
Our first sight of snow was around 11:30am. It was on the ground everywhere and the temperature was 32* and then it started to snow! What joy filled our van. We all got a headache from Aaron yelling "It's Snowing, It's Snowing".
We made a stop at the Flagstaff Wal Mart for the rest of the snow gear we needed. Yeah for Wal Mart! We love there prices! While walking around the store I asked everyone I could where the best place to take kids to go sledding. I got a few different placed and decided on NAU as the place for us. Once on the campus we saw some sledders and asked...they pointed us to the elementary school and we were off. The snow had stopped coming down and the wind was at a slow whistle.
Brandon was the first off with the sled and headed down the slope. (it wasn't that big...but just the right size for us)
There was a very big open field and a wide open space of snow that hadn't even been stepped on yet. Brandon and Brittany decided that they would be the first. Aaron and Rachel had fun going down the slope and then making a snow man. Brandon even started making a snow cave,(he had just learned how to make them as he's going snow camping in February with the scouts).

It started to snow again and the clock said it was time to leave so we wouldn't miss the train for the north pole. We got to the city Williams around 5 and parked the van in a great spot. Paul checked in and we headed over to a Mexican restaurant to eat dinner.

After dinner we walked back to the Train Depot to climb aboard the Polar Express. It was snowing and blowing, and was very "brrzee" (cold).

After seeing the train conductor and showing our tickets...we climbed aboard for a trip to the north pole.

Once the train left the depot our hot chocolate and cookies were given to us. It was yummy. Then the train conductor announced that we had passed through the tunnel of light that took us to the north pole, so we'd better look out our window to see if we could see santa.
Sure enough, there he was.Then we were told that Santa was going to come on board the train and see each once of us.

As you can see, Santa just walked down the aisle and handed all the children a bell. And yes we could all hear them ringing!

What an amazing trip we had in one day. We will never forget it! Never! Good Times Baby! Good Times

Christmas Concerts

2008-12-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

Three of our four children are in music groups. Brandon is in two at school, Brittany is also in two at school. Rachel is in one, but also sang with her school for a concert.
This is the season when it gets very busy for us.
It started two days after Thanksgiving. Both Rachel and Brittany were in a concert in the park. Foothills Festival of Lights, just on the other side of the freeway from us.
Thankfully the girls performed an hour apart from each other so that we didn't need to be there all day. And it was early in the day as well.
Rachel performed first with her Chandler Children's Choir. They were on the main stage. Rachel did a great job, and looked so beautiful.

Brittany's Show Choir performed later at the Restaurant Row stage. We ate lunch and watched her group sing. They had some fun songs with actions.

Brittany has had seven performance this season, one was at Zoo Light and one will be on Channel 3 morning news on Christmas Eve.

Rachel had a school performance on December 2nd. It was fun to watch her sing and play some instruments as well as do a dance.

Rachel is in Ms Fletcher's class. Both Brandon and Brittany had her for third grade. She is by far the best teacher ever. Aaron looks forward to being in her class in two years, "Hold on Mary...don't retire yet, he's coming!"

Brandon had a concert last night. December 12th, he was sick all week and didn't think he would make it. He did, but on the last number had to sit down and then leave the stage. He had a very bad headache. Grandma's heart dropped and she was about to jump out of her seat to go get Brandon when he sat down. But we got him home, drugged up and put to bed. When he did sing...he did great.

Aaron fell sleep, it was past his bed time.
Rachel's big Christmas concert with the CCC is coming up on the 18th and Brandon has another one on the 20th. So we are all singing fools around our home. It's fun to hear all the music and listen to the kids singing as they walk around the house, or play board games with each other.
This is the greatest season of all.

Christmas Tree Time

2008-12-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

Our family loves to decorated the Christmas tree. Paul's grandma has sent us an ornament every year we have been married. Now the children get their own ornament every year. They look forward to opening it up to see what they got. This year was no different.
Paul and I decided to follow his grandma's tradition by giving the children an ornament each year. It has been fun to open up the ornament tote each year and look at the different things that have been collected. My mother has gotten in on this, and now the children have a lot of different ornaments. The memories from each are so special.
It has become a speical family time to put on our ornaments. Here are a few shots we took the night we did.

Paul put the star up on top, and all the kids put their favorite oraments up on the tree. We had to tell them to stop as the tree was getting full. We had as much fun together...good times.

'Tis The Season...

2008-12-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

For all the wonderful Christmas fun.
Christmas Songs,
Christmas Tress,
Christmas Concerts,
Christmas Parties,
Christmas Pictures...
Oh yeah...Thanks Ron Sill. Great Photo's even if we say so ourselves!

Models in the Making

2008-11-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a slideshow made by me (brittany). We did some modeling action Thanksgiving afternoon. We have good modeling potential, no? Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Black Friday

2008-11-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

After sleeping in and having our fav lunch, IN and Out Burgers, of course. Paul and I took the kids to Target, just to look around. We needed to get some fresh air and stretch the legs a little. It was about 2ish and the crowd was still in full force. Not as bad as other places I imagine. We went up and down the toy isles and Aaron wanted everything, we remind him that we are just looking. We are NOT buying toys. The girls were good at pointing to a few things. (Brandon stayed at home playing video games with his friend Cameron)
We did have a shopping cart which Paul thought very unnecessary since we had decided that we wouldn't be buying anything. We'll, I wanted one [shopping cart] for the shoe laces we needed to get for Aaron, and the belt for Brandon. Oh and remember that movie I wanted, lets get that too. Then Aaron told Paul how he really needed a pair of gloves for his hands. They get so cold on the way to school. (I drive him to school and it is about a 25 yard walk to the school building from the car drop off stop.) So in goes the gloves into the shopping cart.
Then it happens...
Aaron spots a playground ball. I had told him a few weeks ago that I'd try to get one so they could play 4 square in the back yard. (I thought I'd get one for Christmas..oh well) We put it into the shopping cart. We are buying a toy. The one thing we said we wouldn't...but...it is Black Friday.
As we check out, we got checked out by other shoppers. Our cart has two belts, a pair of gloves a movie and a MASSIVE playground ball. That's it. Nothing else. But the way people were looking out our shopping cart you would have thought we had gold. One older gray haired lady kept looking as she walked by, that she almost ran into another shopping cart. "It's just a playground ball!" Brittany and I were laughing. I guess we got the best toy of the day.
4 Square anyone?

What are you thankful for...?

2008-11-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving our family plays a game on our way to Grandma Geier's (aka Ma-Moo). We go around the van and we each take a turn and say one thing we are thankful for. It is a 20 minute drive and there is not a moment of silence.

Ma-Moo made the whole dinner. What an amazing dinner (Aaron would call it lunch because it was only 12:30 pm). The turkey was great, the mash potatoes were so light and fluffy. Then there was the gravy...oh the gravy! What great gravy it was. So much so that even Rachel was dunking her roll in to slop it up. YUM. All our tummies were full and happy. So we are thankful for great cooking.

I am thankful for Brandon, Brittany, Rachel, Aaron and Paul. They are my favorite things. What cuties they all are!

After our lunch at Ma-moo's we packed up all the left-overs and pies and headed back home. There we watched 3D Polar Express. What a magical movie. (Pa-Pa loved our big t.v. and really enjoyed his 3D movie on it. He said it was like being at the theater). We had some left overs for dinner with PIE! Then Grandpa and Grandma headed off for home. Then the rest of us watched Kung Fu Panda in Blu-ray.(ooh) Good times.

So much to be thankful for...these are but a few.

MA-MOOO

2008-11-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my mom. Connie, aka: mom, mother & Ma-Moo.
When Brandon was very little we lived with my parents while our home was being build. He would call me "mom" and I would call my mom, "mom". So he came up with "Ma-Moo" for my mom...it has been the same ever since.
Connie's birthday is tomorrow, but with school out today, I took all the kids and we went and had lunch and fun together.
First the kids climbed the backyard trees at Ma-Moo's, to build up their appetite. Next we were off to NYPD Pizza. There we had Honey BBQ Wings, Garlic Knots and Cheese Pizza of course.
Aaron couldn't give enough hugs out and was almost on Ma-Moo's lap the whole lunch!

We looked at old pictures back at grandma's. She showed pictures of when she was a child back in New York. Rachel looks so much like her...Rachel is so lucky!
Mom, just wanted to tell you that you are the best mom and Ma-Moo anyone could have. Thanks for your love and example in all that you do. I love you.

Time for CANDY!!!!

2008-11-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Our kids love to dress up and go door to door collecting candy. I guess that's just Halloween for ya. Aaron dressed as a Fireman, Rachel a white cat, Brittany a vampire (from the Twilight book), Brandon a doctor. Our friends Eric Layton is Mario and Heather is also a vampire.
They had so much fun walking around door to door. Brandon did go over to a friends house for a party and some trick or treating. All and all everyone got a boat load of candy. As of right now (Saturday morning at 9 am) they have sorted all their candy and have it all placed out on a blanket in the toy room. I think we will have candy until next Halloween because they got so much.

Paul and I love watching our kids enjoy life to the fullest. There is something about watching your children being so happy and excited. It just is so cool (for a lack of a better word)

Narnia The Exhibition

2008-10-21T11:21:00.001-07:00

Our family took a quick trip over the the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix for a tour of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Exhibition. As one friend told me, "It's Magical". It was. They wouldn't let us take pictures inside, good'ol Disney...but we did have a great time. (And I took a video clip...I couldn't help myself:)It was way tooooo cool to miss out on:)

After walking through the Wardrobe into Narnia the magic continued. We saw the White Witches Carriage, her dress and Ice Crown that she wore. The costumes that Peter, Lucie, Edmund and Susan wore throughout the movie. An Ice thrown to sit on, and ice wall to touch.
Then the return to Narnia after 1300 years to see all the different animals. The little house,or better known as Trufflehunter's Den, they could pretend to be in. The armor that the Pevensis children wore for the war with Price Caspian. They even got to make there own shield designs on a computer. What fun it was. I think that we could have stayed a lot longer then we did. Everyone loved it.
After all we do have two daughters of Eve and two sons of Adam. The kids wanted the crowns to wear home and the thrones to sit on.

Once home, Brandon had a great idea for all the kids. To film their own Narnia. So with the Flip camera in hand and the open fields to play in...the filming begain. It was an all afternoon project, that turned out well. It's just to long to post.
We love our creative children. They are so fun.

A Night of Light and Hope

2008-10-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

October 18, Rachel sang with her Chandler Children's Choir at the Arizona Biltmore. It was a fundraising 'gala' for Childhelp. Childhelp is an organization that is dedicated to the education, prevention and treatment of child abuse. There goal is to heal from the inside out. Aimee Stewart is the Director and had those children well prepared to sing while the guests arrived. Rachel loved singing in her "GOWN". She felt like a princess at a ball. Once they were done singing in the lobby they prepared to sing the song David Grover wrote for the event. "I am a Light". The children came in holding candles(not real), while singing. It was very powerful. Rachel looked like an angel on stage.

They did a little photo session on the lawn, then sang some songs to warm up. This one is my fav "Connecticut Peddler".
The Choir will be singing in December, you should come...it will be great!

What can you do with a camera?

2008-10-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

So Brandon was at the Trek, and we wanted to have a little out door fun. So we went to the park to feed the ducks. I brought the camera along, cuz I like to take pictures. Well...after feeding the ducks and playing around for a while. It became a photo shoot. We acted like we were on "America's Next Top Model". Our fav' shoot to take was "COUTURE". But mostly it was fun to watch the people around us, they looked at us funny. We were laughing and having a great time. Soon other people brought out there camera's and started taken some photos. That's when we left.
So if you don't know what to do with your kids. Take them to the park with your camera and tell them to POSE! It's fun.
Enjoy our photo's.

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Westward Ho!

2008-10-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last week, Brandon went on a pioneer trek. He dressed the part and only packed what was really needed. He walked 16 miles one day and slept under the stars.

On their last day they woke up to 6o mile an hour winds and rain. So they really felt like pioneers. They walked in the mud and helped each other get to the end of the trek.
We missed him while he was gone for three days. Brandon said he learned how hard it was to be a pioneer. He also didn't like the fact that the mob or anti-Mormon's made them keep moving from one place to another.
Love ya, Brandon!

Do You Love Your Piano Teacher?

2008-10-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

(FYI this is brittany posting this.)

So, I got dropped off for piano lessons at Sister Arnolds house. Brandon was just leaving, and he and Sister Arnold were talking about the Pioneer Trek. This is part of the conversation they had...

Sister Arnold: Well, don't forget to bear your testimony on Sunday.
Brandon: Yeah, I did that at EFY, too.
Sister Arnold: Good for you! See ya, Brandon.
Brandon: Love ya. Er, I mean, Love ya Brittany. Yeah.

Me and Sister Arnold laughed very hard. When we told Mom after my lesson, she said that Brandon didn't tell her about that. It must have slipped his mind, eh?

Rachel's Turn!

2008-10-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Why would Rachel want a turn you may ask. Well, everyone else has, why not.
It started on Friday night with a fever of 103. The sad part is that when I took her to the doctors, he said it was just a virus. So she had to wade it out. Monday afternoon she developed a very LARGE cold sore inside her mouth, just to make sure she felt bad. Shane Layton came by that night after hearing about it and gave her his over the counter medicine. Liquid Silver. It didn't take it away. But boy did it help reduce the pain and size. Thanks Uncle Shane!

I am happy to report that Rachel will be going to school tomorrow. She had been fever free for 24 hours. YEAH! Life may get back to normal at our home...we'll see.

Sing, Sing, Sing...

2008-10-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Brittany sings My Favorite Things. The "Pueblo Show Choir" sang three songs. The Long and Winding Road, Angles Amoung Us and Favorite Things.
This song was "Requiem". All the CDS choirs sang together. It was quite amazing.

Brandon sings with A Cappella and Jaztecs. The Tux is A Cappella and the Black Suit is Jaztecs.They sang a total of 8 songs. Chili Con Carne was one of our Fav's. But Twa Tanbou was awesome! Way to go Brandon.

Paul wins award!

2008-10-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Way to go,babe!
Paul is not one to toot his own horn. So let me toot it for him. While he was in Cali for a four day conference, he was awarded a BIG award. (although he'd tell you different) In front of the whole region he was awarded the "Vision Award 2008 Team Commitment Rocky Mountain Region".
I am proud of my husband and the work he does. He is great. Thanks for working hard, and taken care of us. We love you Paul!

The tooth is OUT!

2008-09-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Last month we went to the dentist and got a cleaning. All the kids did great. Then the doc told Aaron that his top two front adult teeth were in the x-ray and making their way down. So he needed to start wiggling his teeth. (We had to have his two front bottom teeth pulled out...we didn't want to go down that road again). So with much persuasion we got Aaron to wiggle his teeth. Last week the left top was so ready for the pulling. But wouldn't let me try, (yes, I bugged him every night for the last four days.) Finally this morning as Paul was getting them (Rachel and Aaron) in the car to go to school, Paul asked the question. Aaron was willing, only if it didn't hurt. Well the tooth was barely hanging on...by the smallest of small parts. All Paul had to do was touch it really and it came out! YEAH! So he ran back in the house so we could take a picture. Because that's what we're all about...taking pictures.
Now we'll see how long this next top tooth takes. School pictures are next week, and I'd love the full toothless smile. Cross your fingers.

Crazy Straw

2008-09-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is what Brittany got for doing a great job at piano lessons. Sooo, she had to have a glass of milk and a cookie so she could use her "CRAZY STRAW".
She did her song with all the right movements, etc...So Mrs. Arnold let her pick a crazy staw as a reward. Way to go Brit!

Exercise

2008-09-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

We were sitting in the family room watching America's Next Top Model. After that was over, Heidi wanted to watch Dr. 90210. Well, I had taped it on the other TV; the bigger screen. As she made her way with her box of Milk Chocolate Almond Clusters, she declared "Now this is the kind of exercise I LIKE!!!!"

Round Three has begun...

2008-09-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

It's Brittany's turn to be sick. Paul took her to the doctors this morning and got the good stuff. So we are waiting with baited breath to see when Rachel gets sick. I would say next week sometime. It's fun having four children that love to share.

Student of the Week

2008-09-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Our Rachel was student of the week, last week. (I am slow)
She made a poster with great care, to display in her classroom. She picked out some fav' things to share with the class. Yes, her Webkinz was one of them. Paul even went to class on Tuesday and gave a career talk. (Rachel loved the game he played with the whole class, her side of the class won.)
On Friday I went and had lunch with her. She was so excited to see me, it was so fun to see her face light up. What a doll she is. Love ya, Rach!

Here we go again!

2008-09-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yep, We have more fever's and coughs going on. This time by another child. Aaron is the lucky winner. (This is a photo from his b-day) He woke up this morning with a fever that jumped up to 103*. I now know better then to sent him out the door to school to soon. We'll be visiting the doc and getting him drugged up. Let's hope it ends here. Two out of six is plenty of sickness, don't ya think?

Fever..Coughing..and more

2008-08-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Poor Brandon. He has been coughing with a fever since last Tuesday afternoon. It was only 103* at it's high point on Wednesday. He stayed home from school two days and I sent him back on Friday. I did give him drugs... Delsym and Mucinex DM for the cough and his fever was gone for the time.
He had to leave church early and go home to sleep, He just slept all weekend. He didn't want to even play games on the PS3. I should have know better.
Monday I sent him to school again. (what a bad mom I am) He made it through the day only to come home and take a two hour nap, eat dinner and sleep for the night. Again I sent him to school on Tuesday morning. (bad mom, very, very bad mom). Around 11 am I got the phone call from the boy, Brandon, in the nurse's office at school. He had a fever again, no energy and he wanted to come home and sleep.
So off I went to pick him up. I thought I'd better be a good mother and take him to the doctors. The doctor asked Brandon what was up. He told the symptoms and the doctor listened to his chest, looked in ears, down the throat etc... So.. He has "Walking Pneumonia". Great job Heidi! We got the drugs he needed, Zithromax and Guaifensesin with Codeine, (cough med).
By 2 o'clock on Tuesday I had him all druged up and in bed. He slept until 6 pm when I woke him up to feed him dinner and give him another dose of the Codeine. He slept all night without any coughing. Wednesday morning he slept in until 9 am. My poor little guy.
I am happy to report that today, Thursday at 1:30 in the afternoon. He has watched a movie, had chips and salsa and his coughing is minimal at best. He is wanting to shoot me with his Nerf gun every time I walk by his room. (because I made him lay down after lunch) He wants to play the PS3, which I wont let him do, mean mom. I do believe I will be sending him to night school tonight at 4:30pm. (he is all dressed and can't wait to go!) I know he will be at school tomorrow. WE will both be happy then.
We love being healthy!

Aaron's Birthday

2008-08-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Boy's and their toys....

2008-08-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi 1080p DLP WD-73735 (that means 73 inches large) HDMI and all the other junk.

So we have a new toy at our home. It's a little big, but it fits in the new room nicely. Is that why we added on to our home...for bigger toys? Well...lets just say we have a VERY happy Paul, and isn't that what life is all about? Being happy.

A HUGE thank you goes out to our Digital Diva, Jenni Layton. "Her's been da bomb yester time."

Time to Cool Off!

2008-08-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Paul's brother Steve and his wife Shannon invited us to Lake Pleasent for the Day. Shannon's dad, Tim has a boat and a sea-doo that holds three. We met up with them around 11am and played at the lake all day. We had a wicked wind storm and some rain, but threw it all we stayed put. We didn't leave the lake until the sun went down. Rachel had a fever when the day started but then it stayed at the lake when we went home at 9pm. We got off the lake about 8pm

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. What a fun filled day it was.

Little Fifteen...

2008-08-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Brandon has another birthday. We keep telling him to stop, but he dosen't listen. I guess that's what teenagers do.
We had a family party for him. He raked it in. I guess will be shopping soon.
Happy Birthday Brando!

Oh...we didn't have enough candles...so we used 3. Each candle counted as "5". It worked. It's all good.

Off to school you go

2008-08-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

So it's the first day of school. Brandon got up around 5:30am, took a record 3 minute shower. Brittany followed him in the shower and took a 5 minute shower. All the kids were up by 6 am. We all ate our breakfast. Made school lunch. Had family prayer. Read scriptures. Took pictures. Brandon's "O" hour started at 6:35am. Rachel and Aaron's school started at 7:45. Brittany at 8:15. Everyone got to school well...with big smiles. Even mom.

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Oh, what do you in the summer time?

2008-07-30T20:41:00.001-07:00

The last Wednesday of summer has been declared the day of TENTS!
So today it was the last Wednesday before school starts...let the tent building begin!

The new room made it even better for building tents. The kitchen table chairs worked even better to hold all of the sheets.

The kids each had their own room to play in. They brought all of their fun things and thought that they were there to sleep for the night. But you know...we are mean parents and we made them clean up after dinner.
SOOOOOOOOO....
After a long day of playing Tent City, the toy room got all cleaned up and a new game was started. This one was; push the ottoman away and see who keeps standing. Aaron lost the last round. After the scream I headed into the toy room to see the blood. Off we went to the e.r.

Aaron was so brave. He never cried, or moved a muscle while the doctor gave him 3 stitches. What a soldier. He did better then Brandon did when he was 12 and got 4 stitches on his lip. Way to go Aaron. The only sad part was when he found out he had to have his stitches in for the first day of school. He didn't want anyone to laugh at him.

"Oh, what do you do in the summer time when all the world is green?
we make tents in the house, get stitches on our chin,
watch as our mother, cries.....

"Is that what you do?....So do I"

Check out what we've done!

2008-07-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

So Brittany has been complaining about our blog. "Mom, we haven't blogged in a long time". Well here is why. Enjoy.

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Brandon's Eagle Court of Honor

2008-07-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

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Brandon had his Eagle court of honor on July 19, 2008. What a great night this was. Kevin Pike in our ward made a photo gallery of all the things Brandon has done in his life. Like win Wimbledon, go to the artic, be on the cover of Rolling Stone, giving a talk in General conference as a Teachers Quorum President, and many other things.
Shane Layton presented him with his eagle rank in a way that only Shane can do. Those there will know what I mean. He knows Brandon just about as good as his parents, maybe...just maybe a little better. After all he went camping with him on 17 different campouts.
There was a great slide show of all of Brandon's scouting adventures.
Many friends and family came to support him. What a fun night it was.
Thank you all for supporting our family. Brandon you rock. Keep up the greatness.

Girls Camp or Bust!

2008-06-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

This morning started at 5:30 am for Brittany. She couldn't sleep, she was so excited about going to girls camp. Camp is up in the cool pines just north of Strawberry. It's called Camp LoMia. Brittany will be a "Baby Beehive", as they call it. Her first year at camp will be so fun.
We met at the stake center to put gear under the charter bus. Then inside to sing camp songs and get ready to load the bus for the 2 hour drive. Brittany found a seat with Heather Layton with Alyssa Pike right across the way. Everyone had on there big smiles and lots of energy.

Every year they have different theme for camp. This year it is "Oh The Places You'll Go". (By Dr. Seuss) Each ward was given a book as there ward theme, ours is "Oh The Thinks You Can Think". With "Green" as there color. They all have matching p.j. bottoms and shirts. Nine girls and two leaders will be in the "addie" they will be sleeping in. Oh...the memories are flowing in of when I went up as a leader. Brittany will have the best time, I just know it.

A Present for Girls Camp!

2008-06-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make a little something for Brittany for when she went to girls camp. Soooo, I enlisted a great friend that sews even greater, Vicky Arnold. She helped me pin and iron and sew together the cutest pillow case with a big "B" on it. Then the cozy blanket..."So Soft".

I gave it to Brittany the night before she went to camp. Her smile was worth everything. I love ya Brittany...have fun at camp.

Grandma and Grandpa Steenhoek Mission Farewell

2008-06-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the temple grounds of the Los Angeles Temple. Paul's parents were having their missionary farewell. All of his brothers and sisters were there with Families in tow.
Well...not all the family was there. Dan, the oldest brother was by himself. His family of 5 were unable to make it. Debra, a younger sister was there with only two children. Again, they couldn't make it. Other than that...this was the crowd we hung out with for two days.

On Saturday morning at 6 a.m. the kids who could did baptism's for the dead. It was Brittany's first time being able to go. Paul was able to do the baptism for both Brandon and Brittany. After that all the adults did a session in the temple. It was only 9:30 and a whole day ahead of us.

We next went to practice our singing for the Sacrament meeting program for Sunday. All the adults sang a song, Come thy fount of every blessing. All the kids sang, I hope they call me on a mission, and Love is spoken here.

After all the singing everyone jumped into cars and headed for In and Out Burgers. We ate at the park next to La Brea Tar Pits. Once done eating and running around we headed into the the museum. All the children loved it. The movies we watched, all the bones they saw and the smell of the tar pit outside...kept them all running from one place to the next.

As if that wasn't enough to do in one day. We went back to the temple apartments we were staying in, and changed into swim clothes for a swim party. Quite a few of the cousins were having birthday's and they wanted to have a party. So swimming it was, with a BBQ as well. I am not sure how many people we got into the small pool. But it did do the job of cooling everyone off.

Sunday morning was wonderful. Hank and Ada gave great talks. The music that was song sounded great. The breakfast buffet was FAB, the luncheon was filling as well. WE will all miss Grandma and Grandpa Steenhoek for the 18 months they will be gone in England serving the Lord. But we will be ever so grateful for all they have done for us, and they example they are to our family in every way!
We love you.

Just a side note...Thank you Heidi's mom, Connie for coming and helping Heidi to drive. We loved having you there...We love you.
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Painting is fun to do

2008-06-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

So our little family has been busy. We have changed some things around the house. One is that we took out a wall and made our toy room bigger. So then we needed to paint the room. Here is a slide show of the fun we had. Note that Brandon was not there. He was very busy with the Teachers (the boys from church), they were on a 4 day campout. So he was busy having lots of fun too.

Next project is the color. We like the primer white...but let's add some color shall we.

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Court of Honor

2008-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Brandon's Court of Honor will be held on Saturday

JULY 19th, 2008 at 7pm.

It will be held in our

church building, 10 S. Twelve Oaks Blvd. Chandler. Fun Times. Please come.

Brandon becomes an Eagle Scout

2008-05-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Brandon went in front of the Eagle Board for the Salt River District of the Boy Scouts of America on Tuesday May 27, 2008. He had to pass the interview and review his eagle project. By his account, he did awesome. The board passed him and he is now an EAGLE SCOUT!!

The next day we got a letter in the mail from Mack Tarwater, the Eagle Board Chairman, congratulating him. Brandon's court of honor will be held on July 18 at 7 pm at our church building, (unless otherwise). Yeah, Brandon. Great job, buddy!

On the road...Family Trip!

2008-05-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Day One...
Our first goal was to ride the new Finding Nemo Ride. We waited for 45 minutes but got on and celebrated Aaron's first Disneyland ride ever. (he was in Cali adventure three years ago). It was a very cold and wet day. We brought our rain ponchos for the "Wet Rides" but used them to keep dry from the rain more. Aaron didn't like the Matterhorn but loved every Fantasy Land ride. In all we rode on 27 rides, saw the Aladdin stage show and the Muppet 3D show all in 12 long and fun hours.

Our second to last ride of the day was the Winnie the Pooh ride. Aaron loved it! Then we thought we'd go on the Haunted Mansion. There was no line and ...well...why not. Aaron was not a fan. Brittany and I sat with him on the ride and had to keep telling him, "Wow, this is just like a Scooby Doo Movie". No nightmares...so far.

Day Two...

On Friday morning we had a breakfast in Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. We saw many different characters, and took pictures with each one. The food was to die for. Made to order omelets (Heidi's fav), eggs, french toast, Mickey shaped waffles, fruit, sweets that you die for. So much that even Brandon could not even eat any more after two plates of food. I know we all loved this 1 1/2 hours spent eating and visiting all the Disney Friends.

Once at Disneyland we went right to Adventure Land were we saw an Indiana Jones Show. It was all geared toward the movie. Then once the show was over Dr. Jones had some street fights to help searchers find some hidden clues. Each family got a map and was told to look for the clues. Our family had a blast looking for clues and watching Dr. Jones beat up the same guy in different locations for different clues. Once we were done with the clues we rode on more rides and had a great day.

We didn't stay for the Electric Light Parade...it got too cold and we were to tired. Next time.

We had dinner at a Denny's and headed down for Encinitas to Paul's sister Patty's home, for the rest of the weekend.

After a lazy morning, we all got into the van, + Jenna, and headed to Sea World. We just wanted to have some warm sun and fun. We were able to see a lot of animals and catch a show. Then the kids played in the new Sesame Street Kid Play area. Aaron and Rachel loved it. Well, the truth be told...everyone loved it.

On Sunday we went to church with Aunt Patty and Uncle Nate. Uncle Nate has a friend in their ward that he rides bikes with, John. He likes to restore Ferraris as a hobby. Brandon dreams of having a car like this one day and was drooling at it in the church parking lot when Uncle Nate introduced Brandon to John. John asked Brandon if he wanted a ride home from church in it, and of course Brandon jumped at the idea. (Nate said as he got into his own car..."Wow, I've never even sat in one of his 4 cars before").

Once at Aunt Patty's we had to take a photo to prove Brandon really did drive in the car.

On Monday we went to a ward BBQ with Patty and Family. It was held at the Cielo Country Club. Wow...what a place. Our kids didn't want to leave. But we were able to pull them away and drive home. We had to put an end to all the fun...I am a mean mom after all.

Aaron says it all. We had one heck of a fun trip!

Make a Wish

2008-05-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Brittany, Brittany, Brittany!

2008-05-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

So here is another blog about our little angel "Brittany". On May 17th she had her big 12th birthday party with friends. She had 9 girls over to our home to start off. We then headed over to Sue Dana's home for beading and swimming. The girls were able to make a ring, bracelet and neckless. The pool was cold at first but then everyone enjoyed it so much they didn't want to leave. They loved doing the "High School Musical", all jumping into the pool together. After that fun we went back home and had cake, ice cream and presents. Brittany loved every minute of it. All the girls were so fun and got along great together...yea!
The day didn't end there.
Well...I forgot to mention that the day started at 9:30am over at the Harkins Theater. The family all went to see the movie Narnia, Prince Caspian. (Thanks to Dr. Chamberlain and our girls being in the Kids Club, we got free tickets.) We got home just as the guest were arriving for the Brittany party.
So... as the cake was happening at our home, Brittany's Beehive leader came over to take her and all the beehives to get ice cream. (To welcome her to Young Women's etc...) After that she was dropped off at our friends home, the Pikes, where we were having a BBQ swim night.
Everyone in our family had a super Saturday. I don't think we could have put another activity into the day...We love to party

Singing and Dancing

2008-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Brittany Brianne

As part of the Pueblo Middle School Show Choir Brittany was able to sing at the Corona Del Sol High School Pop's Concert on Saturday May 10.

They had done many different shows all year long and this was the biggest of all (besides Disneyland, of course!). They were able to sing 3 of their 4 songs. "Build Me A Buttercup, Love Heals, and You Can't Spot the Beat".

Mr. Frazer is the choir director over at the middle school. He has been a great director for our family. Brandon had him as a teacher for his years in middle school and show choir. He was also the one that helped Brandon record his two songs, "Alien World" and "Escape this Now". Just before this photo Mr. Frazer made the comment..."I hope this doesn't end up on a blog somewhere". So Sorry....We had to...

Brittany loves to sing and dance and we hope that for many years we will be able to enjoy more concerts like these. Enjoy our little "Angel of Music" We Do.

Rachel sings her new song!

2008-05-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

Our Princess Rachel

Last night Rachel wrote a song. Paul thought it was a Disney song. She was singing all afternoon today.

"It's hard to be a PRINCESS"

Brandon helped put music to it. He also gave her the confidence to sing for the video.

I love music. It is a very big part of our home. I feel it is a blessing. What talented children we have...I love them so much!

Show Choir Tour!

2008-05-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

Brittany goes to California for a Pueblo Show Choir Tour!

After school on Thursday, Brittany and I loaded the charter bus for the ride to Cali. Brittany sat with Kaiah Frazer.

On Friday morning we got up and got ready to play at Disneyland all day. Once there we road on many different rides. Brittany was able to go to a Disney Workshop. She went back stage behind the park to dance and learn the song to "In the Tiki Room" She had a lot of fun. They gave her a t-shirt and she will be getting a DVD of what they did.

On Saturday morning we went to Fullerton City College. This is where the Heritage Festival was. Many different schools were there to perform and be judged by music professors. Our Show Choir did great and at the award ceremony at Disneyland later that night they got "GOLD 2ND PLACE". Out of all the schools...that was great.

Once again we got back on the bus. This time it was at 11:30 pm Saturday night. We were so tired. Brittany fell asleep with her new "Cutie Pooh". I on the other hand watched the hours go by.

The 3am Blythe stop was the funniest stop ever. Staci Dayes didn't want to get back on the bus. She was so tired as well and we both thought that this was worse than bee stings.
The bus rolled in the school parking lot at 6am. Brittany and I got home by 6:30 took showers and climbed in bed. We missed church and slept until 3:30 pm. Then Paul laughed at us. He thought we looked so funny. Brittany and I didn't know what we looked like we just knew we were tired. So we let Paul take our photo....oh well.

Lets just say...we love being home.

He did it!

2008-04-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Brandon did it! He finished his eagle project write up!
So... we weren't the mean parents after all. We did let him eat his dinner, but right after that he had to sit at the computer and type away all the information needed. Brandon took his paper work over to his leader, Adam Stewart. He'll review it and tell Brandon how it looks and any changes that there might be. Then Brandon can go to the Eagle Board of Review (May 27th) and see if he "passes" and earns his Eagle Rank.
Go Brando, Go Brando, Go Brando, Go Brando, Go Brando!

Brandon's Eagle Project!

2008-04-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Brandon had his eagle project today!
He had everyone who could help show up at the church at 10:30 am. Sign in and head out to St. Mary's Food Bank

Once at the food bank, everyone ate lunch that was provided by Pepperoni's Pizza. 10 pizza's never went faster! Fry's Marketplace also donated cookie, along with the Garner Family (homemade chocolate, chocolate chip), and the Aronld Family (Chocolate chip). The homeade cookies didn't last long.
The two projects were one; fill 900 boxes with food enough for 6 people for one day of meals. Two; paint a break room and other smaller room.Brandon was a great leader. He was able to get everyone working on both projects. The painting was done by a small group along with two volunteers from Home Depot. Brandon was able to have Home Depot donate all the paint and supplies needed. Then the volunteer project leader came with another worker to help Brandon. The rooms turned out great! The funnest part was the assembly line that everyone worked on. The boxes went down the line and everyone put in the food they had been assigned. This is the after shot of the Staff Break Room. What a difference some hard workers and paint can do. Great job.

Brandon did a wonderful job of working with the 50 volunteers he gathered. The hard work of the project is done, now for the write up. As his parents we feel we need to help him get this done fast. So, we have told him that he can not eat dinner tomorrow until he his done with his write up. No lie!

A special thank you to all those 50 people who spent their Saturday with us. Thank you!

Rachel Turns 9 years old!

2008-04-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Rachel is the happiest 9 year old ever!

Rachel had a fun filled day. It started with french toast for breakfast.

Then after school Rachel had two friends over to play before going to art class. She brought cup cakes to share with everyone.
At the family party..Uncle John and Aunt Tess came with Kia. Ma Moo and Pa-Pa came too for the pizza dinner. After the dinner, Rachel opened presents. She got every Littlest Pet Shop toy that she had on her list. Aunt Ellen and family even sent a painting project of "LPS" for Rachel.

Brandon was at the video camera and Brittany handled the digital camera. It was a fun party.

We ended the night with a little pin the tail on the donkey game. Rachel kept the rules of not looking while Aaron found a peeking spot and won the game. "Oh, Aaron", was all Rachel could say.

What a great day for a girl turning nine years old.

Brittany Sings

2008-04-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Brittany and her many different sides of singing.

The night started out with the 6th grade choir. Brittany was in the front and center. Her pose never changed. Her arms by her side, never left that spot until the group of songs were over.
After singing with the 6th grade class, Brittany went and changed into her show choir outfit. Then she sang with Mallori Dayes and Kaia Frazer a song that they had made up. This was part of what they did in their 6th grade choir class. They did a great job. But poor Brittany was a full head shorter and sandwiched between the girls.
The last group was Show Choir. They sang their full 4 songs, with all the dance movements. Brittany really was into it as she did all the shimmies, and the pony steps. Her dance moves are coming along. But mostly she sang her heart out. We could hear her singing, we were in the front row, and loved every minute of it.
You go girl!